The heat and humidity at OCS

[BigIron]

They will monitor the heat and humidity down in Pcola. It is a training command and they have used a system of flags (green, yellow, red, black) to indicate when folks can PT outside. My info is old. Are they still using the flags?

 

[tiger84]

They will monitor the heat and humidity down in Pcola. It is a training command and they have used a system of flags (green, yellow, red, black) to indicate when folks can PT outside. My info is old. Are they still using the flags?

Yes, they still use the flags. We actually had a red flag for a few hours yesterday, although it didn't seem too bad outside.

 

[insanebikerboy]

I don't know how it is for you up north, but I lived in Monterey for a year before heading to API last year. 12 months of pt'ing in 65 degrees with 20% humidity didn't prepare me very well for the heat and humidity of P-cola (aka, it kicked my butt for the first few weeks). You'll adjust quickly though, it's not that bad, it's just different.

 

[BackOrdered]

Since we are on the subject of running techniques, I'm curious as to whether anyone else starts out slow and speeds up or start out very fast, try to hold that speed, but inevitably slowing down?

 

[mustang_wife]

I would recommend going down there early (maybe 2 wks) and pt'ing out there to atleast get acclimated to the weather.

 

[BACONATOR]

Since we are on the subject of running techniques, I'm curious as to whether anyone else starts out slow and speeds up or start out very fast, try to hold that speed, but inevitably slowing down?

Any running book will tell you to start slow, pick up pace throughout the race and finish strong. This warms up the muscles and joints properly and prevents you getting any cramps/stitches. It's worked well for me at least.

 

[BackOrdered]

Any running book will tell you to start slow, pick up pace throughout the race and finish strong. This warms up the muscles and joints properly and prevents you getting any cramps/stitches. It's worked well for me at least.

Well, you are the second person to tell me that. Every time I try, I end up barely getting a decent time vs. a rocket start, holding it for as long as possible, and shuffling pass the finish line where I want to be after a second wind around the 4/6 mark of the run. I just can't moderate a slow start well. Also, stretching after and before my runs do enough to prevent stitches and cramps. Any other opinions?

 

[JLockheed]

Mens Health had an article about starting out fast vs saving for the end of the race. It was either in this months or last but there was a study conducted of two groups. The group that started out fast always had a better time then those who waited to the end to pick up the pace. When I get home from work, I'll look it up.

 

[BackOrdered]

Mens Health had an article about starting out fast vs saving for the end of the race. It was either in this months or last but there was a study conducted of two groups. The group that started out fast always had a better time then those who waited to the end to pick up the pace. When I get home from work, I'll look it up.

Please do. Thanks alot.

 

[jamnww]

Since we are on the subject of running techniques, I'm curious as to whether anyone else starts out slow and speeds up or start out very fast, try to hold that speed, but inevitably slowing down?

My recommendation would be to start slower than the fastest person running with you, and then always try to match pace with the guy in front of you (could be because I suck at keeping a steady pace on my own)...when I get comfortable at that speed I pass him and pace off the next one...

And so forth...

 

[xmid]

For what its worth, when I ran track I used to go out hard and then just maintain as much as I could. My coach tried to get me to do that in reverse order for a while, but I was just faster that way. It worked for Prefontaine too. He was notorious for going sub-four minutes in his first mile and challenging anyone to catch him. I think you have to find out what works best for you. Running is such a mental sport that finding where your head and your body click will make you faster.

 

[Single Seat]

I just ran a 1.5 mile run on a treadmill at my school's gym. I got 11:20...not too bad for a second semester senior who just started working out again, I guess. It was hot and humid as hell in there and that 1.5 miles was tough. If that 1.5 miles was hard, I imagine running 3 or so every day in scorchin' ass hot Florida would be much tougher. Fortunately for me, it will get better because I only started working out about a week ago.

I'm from the north. Do people from the south tend to have an easier time with the running at OCS because they are used to the weather?

I remember seeing this discussed before, couldn't find anything with a search though.

Suck it up cry baby. I hope your DI is reading this.

 

[JLockheed]

Please do. Thanks alot.

The article is in the April issue of Mens Health, page 42 for any interested.

"The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research published a study of 11 collegiate distance runners who ran three 5-K trials at different paces in the first mile: their average mile pace, 3 percent faster than average, or 6 percent faster. The fastest early pace resulted in the finish times that were 32 seconds quicker than the finish times from the average-pace starts. Slower starters ran faster final miles, but never made up for time lost at the start."

 

[CaptainRon]

Suck it up cry baby. I hope your DI is reading this.

Congratulations. You have not had one positive post yet!

 

[Zilch]

That study makes sense with that I know. Imagine slowing down briefly while the guy next to you holds pace. Then, try catching him. It isn't easy.